SOUTHERN WEIGHT LOSS NZ

02/11/2025

🔥 READY TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH? 🔥
This is your sign. Not next Monday. Not “when things calm down.” NOW.
If you want to burn fat, boost your metabolism, build confidence, and feel stronger in your every day — it starts with moving your body. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to begin.
Simple, powerful exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench press, HIIT, cycling, and even home circuits can fire up your metabolism and keep your body burning calories long after you finish your workout.
But here’s the truth 👉 Consistency and the right guidance matter.
That’s where Southern Weight Loss steps in.
We don’t just tell you to “work harder” — we teach you how to work smarter, build strength, protect your muscles, and create routines that actually fit your life.
💪 We support beginners.
💪 We guide post-surgery success.
💪 We help you stay on track — for life.
✨ This is YOUR journey.
And we’re here to walk it with you.
🟢 Ready to start?
Send us a message. Book your consult. Or check out the link https://southernweightloss.co.nz/2025/08/08/weight-loss-exercises/
Your future self will be grateful you did.

02/11/2025

Are You Thinking About Ozempic or Weight Loss Surgery?
At Southern Weight Loss Dunedin, we support you in understanding your options – whether that’s medical therapy like Ozempic (Semaglutide) or surgical options such as Sleeve Gastrectomy or One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB).
Each path has benefits, challenges, costs, and different expectations for long-term results. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution — your journey should be tailored to YOU.
Our specialist team helps you:
✔ Understand realistic outcomes
✔ Navigate side effects and long-term considerations
✔ Choose the safest and most effective approach based on your health goals
✔ Build sustainable habits for lifelong success
Whether you're looking for non-surgical support or exploring long-term surgical results, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Your journey to better health starts with one conversation.
📞 Message us today to book your consultation. https://southernweightloss.co.nz/weight-loss-medication/a-professional-comparative-overview-of-ozempic-semaglutide-glp-1-therapy-sleeve-gastrectomy-and-one-anastomosis-gastric-bypass-oagb/

02/11/2025

The importance of working with a dietitian and obesity specialist when using Ozempic

Introduction
Ozempic® (semaglutide) has transformed the landscape of obesity treatment in New Zealand. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, it is now widely used under medical supervision for chronic weight management. However, achieving safe and sustainable results with Ozempic requires more than medication alone. Partnering with a dietitian and an obesity specialist is essential for ensuring the best outcomes in both weight loss and overall metabolic health.

Comprehensive and coordinated care
Ozempic helps regulate appetite and blood sugar by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, leading to reduced caloric intake and gradual weight loss. Yet these physiological effects must be supported by structured nutritional and behavioural changes. Working with a dietitian in Dunedin or Otago provides evidence-based dietary strategies tailored to individual needs, medical conditions, and treatment goals.
An obesity specialist oversees the medical aspects of therapy — including dosing, side-effect management, and the integration of pharmacotherapy with lifestyle modification — ensuring a safe, effective, and individualised plan.

Safeguarding nutrition and energy
Because Ozempic can significantly reduce appetite, many patients consume fewer calories than their bodies require. Without guidance, this may lead to insufficient intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals. A registered dietitian can create meal plans that preserve lean muscle mass, support adequate hydration, and maintain energy levels while still promoting weight reduction.

Managing side effects and tolerability
Mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or constipation are common during dose escalation. Dietitians can recommend practical adjustments to meal size, composition, and timing to minimise discomfort. If symptoms persist, the obesity specialist can review medication dosing or titration schedules to optimise tolerability and adherence.

Preserving muscle and metabolic health
Unsupervised or rapid weight loss increases the risk of muscle loss, which can slow metabolism and hinder long-term success. Coordinated care between the dietitian and obesity specialist ensures adequate protein intake, progressive physical activity, and metabolic monitoring to maintain lean tissue and functional strength.

Supporting behavioural change
Long-term weight management extends beyond pharmacology. Emotional, social, and behavioural factors often influence eating patterns and motivation. A multidisciplinary approach provides accountability, coaching, and psychological support — helping patients sustain lifestyle changes that align with their health goals.

Planning for maintenance and life after Ozempic
Weight maintenance after discontinuing Ozempic requires deliberate planning. A combined care team helps transition patients to a sustainable nutrition and activity framework that stabilises weight and supports ongoing metabolic wellbeing. This continuity of care is vital to preventing relapse and promoting lifelong results.

Conclusion
Ozempic is a valuable tool in evidence-based obesity management, but lasting success depends on expert support. Partnering with a dietitian and obesity specialist ensures that treatment is safe, personalised, and sustainable. For patients in Dunedin and across Otago, comprehensive guidance offers the best opportunity to achieve meaningful, long-term improvements in health and quality of life.

Start your weight loss journey with Southern Weight Loss
https://southernweightloss.co.nz

We are weight loss practice based inDunedin. We have regular clinics in Wanaka, Oamaru, Invercargill and Dunedin. Our goal is to improve the understanding of the role that surgery plays in the management of obesity and help you achieve a healthier life.

14/10/2025

Weight Loss Medication in New Zealand: What You Need to Know About Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Weight loss can be difficult, especially when diet and exercise alone don’t deliver results. For many New Zealanders, prescription medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro are offering new tools for managing weight more effectively.

These medications work by targeting hormones that control appetite and digestion, helping people eat less and feel full for longer. But they’re not a quick fix. They are part of a broader strategy that includes healthy eating, regular exercise, and medical supervision.

Let’s explore how they work, what benefits they offer, and what to consider before starting.

What is Weight Loss Medications?

These weight loss medicines are prescription medications and are part of broader obesity treatment options. They are designed for adults with a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health issues such as type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular risk. These treatments support chronic weight management and work by:
● Reducing appetite
● Increasing satiety
● Slowing gastric emptying
● Regulating blood sugar levels
Clinical studies have shown that these weight loss medicines are effective for patients when compared to inactive treatment (placebo), supporting their use as part of medical obesity treatment.
They aren’t magic bullets. For lasting results, you need a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medical supervision.
Note: In June 2025, Medsafe approved semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) for weight management in New Zealand, though it is not funded by Pharmac. Patients pay the full cost through private prescription and pharmacy pricing. Similar medications are also available. Patients should review the prescribing information and discuss any medical questions with their healthcare provider.

Understanding Ozempic for Weight Loss Medication

Ozempic was first used to treat type 2 diabetes. It contains semaglutide, which mimics a hormone called GLP-1. This hormone helps regulate appetite, insulin production, and the speed at which food leaves your stomach.

Ozempic helps with weight loss by:

● Lowering appetite and reducing food cravings
● Making you feel full faster and for longer
● Supporting better control of blood sugar
Clinical trials have shown that Ozempic can help people lose up to 15% of their body weight over time when used alongside diet and exercise. Although originally developed for diabetes, its success in weight management has made it a popular choice worldwide and it is now approved to be used as weight loss medications in New Zealand.

What is Mounjaro Weight Loss Drug?

Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which affects two key hormones – GLP-1 and GIP – that regulate hunger and insulin. Mounjaro is a prescription medication.
It works similarly to Ozempic and other similar medications but with an added effect on GIP, which may enhance weight loss and insulin sensitivity for the patient.

Here’s how Mounjaro supports weight loss for the patient:
● Reduces appetite and increases satiety
● Slows digestion so you feel fuller for longer
● Helps regulate blood glucose more effectively

Mounjaro is administered as a weekly injection and is self-administered by the patient at home, offering convenience and autonomy in long term treatment.

In international clinical studies, Mounjaro was compared to inactive treatment (placebo), and patients using Mounjaro lost up to 20–22% of their body weight on higher doses. These clinical studies support its efficacy. While Mounjaro is not yet fully approved for weight loss use in New Zealand, it is under review by Medsafe.

Benefits of Weight Loss Medicines

When prescribed appropriately, medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro offer a range of health benefits beyond just weight loss.
1. Effective weight loss support
● Most users see 10–20% body weight reduction over time
● Helps reduce daily calorie intake by curbing hunger
2. Blood sugar control
● Particularly beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes
● May reduce the need for other diabetes medications
3. Cardiovascular health
● Weight loss can lower blood pressure and cholesterol
● Reduces risk of heart disease and stroke
4. Physical wellbeing
● Improved energy, mobility, and stamina
● Better sleep and reduced joint strain
5. Mental health
● Many users report improved confidence and mood
● Reaching weight goals often boosts long-term motivation
6. Clinical backing
● Both drugs are supported by global research and local regulatory bodies such as Medsafe and Pharmac

Side Effects to Take Note
Yes, as with any medication. Most side effects are mild and temporary, including:
● Nausea
● Diarrhoea
● Constipation
● Headaches
In rare cases, more serious effects like pancreatitis or allergic reactions may occur. It’s important to stay hydrated and report any concerns to your doctor immediately.

Start Your Weight Loss Journey with Southern Weight Loss
If you're considering weight loss medication like Ozempic or Mounjaro, it's important to work with professionals who understand your unique needs.
At Southern Weight Loss, we offer personalised consultations and medical support tailored to your health goals. Our team helps you navigate treatment options that are safe and supported by clinical evidence. We’re focused on long-term results that support your overall well-being.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Southern Weight Loss to book a consultation and learn more about your options. We're here to guide you through the process and answer your questions. Let our experienced team help you build a sustainable path to better health. Your journey starts with one simple conversation.